Parents urged to test young children for lead poisoning

SAN BERNARDINO • County health officials recently issued an alert urging parents to get young children tested for lead poisoning, which could cause permanent brain and nerve damage if left untreated.

In 2008, San Bernardino County ranked fifth among California's 58 counties in the number of lead poisoning cases reported involving children under age 6, according to the county Department of Public Health. County health chief Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare said that trend appears to be continuing, with 78 cases of lead poisoning reported county-wide in 2009.

Lead, a heavy metal used in manufacturing, paint and cosmetics, can also be found in certain home remedies, imported pottery, candy and spices. Lead is highly toxic in young children and can cause high blood pressure and damage the brain, nerves, red blood cells, kidneys and reproductive systems.

Health officials warn that children younger than 6 years old are especially vulnerable, as their brains and nervous systems are still developing and damage from lead exposure can be permanent. Lead can also cause a pregnant woman to have a miscarriage or damaged fetus.

Warning signs may be children having problems learning and paying attention, though sometimes there are few or no noticeable symptoms.

Because symptoms of lead poisoning may be confused with other conditions, parents should ask physicians to conduct a blood lead test during their child's next physical exam. Children should be tested when they are 1 and 2 years old, or at least once by age 6.

For more information call (800) 722-3777.

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